Cheryl Cole in hospital with malaria

Doctors took urgent tests and confirmed that she was suffering from the infectious disease.

Cole,who is in the process to divorce soccer player Ashley Cole,is now expected to stay in hospital for “a number of days” before spending several weeks recovering,Daily Mail reported.

The star is believed to have contacted the virus after being bitten by a mosquito during a brief holiday to Tanzania last month.

Hough,25,had organised the break as a surprise for the singer.

“Cheryl hadn’t been feeling herself for about a week. She was feeling tired and listless. In the end,this must have been the beginnings of the virus. During Sunday afternoon,Cheryl went downhill quickly. She was sweating and shivering in a bad way,” a close friend said.

The ‘Fight For This Love’ hitmaker has been going through a backbreaking work schedule after her marriage to Ashley collapsed in February following allegations that the footballer cheated on her with several women.

“Doctors are concerned that her immune system is weaker because she’s been working so hard. They believe this may make it harder for her to recover quickly,” her friend added.

Her spokesman confirmed malaria,saying,”Cheryl Cole is currently in hospital,being treated for malaria.

“Following doctors’ advice,Cheryl Cole will be cancelling all work commitments for the next week.”